Coudenberg Palace

Coudenberg Palace, located beneath Brussels' Place Royale, is the archaeological site of the former palace of the Dukes of Brabant and a key center of power in the region from the 12th century onward. Coudenberg Palace lies directly under Place Royale, near some of Brussels' most famous landmarks, including the BELvue Museum and the Magritte Museum. Entry to the Coudenberg ruins is through the BELvue Museum. The underground terrain can be uneven and cool.

Coudenberg is a small hill that is home to one of the most palaces that rests on this planet. The beauty of Coudenberg Palace astounds every eye that meets the view of this magnificent monument and invites several historians and architecture lovers from across the world. Charles V and other rulers resided in this prestigious castle, each modifying the palace until it was caught on fire in 1731 that burnt the whole place down. However, the ruins continue to attract tourists to this fascinating archaeological site.
The Coudenberg Palace is surrounded by a lot of mansions that were constructed by various rulers that ruled in the past centuries. Visitors take a tour of the underground ruins of the then-residence of Charles V, along with the church that was recently constructed by two French Architects, Montoyer and Guimard. The only remains of the Palace include the main banqueting hall Aula Magna, the cellars of the main palace and the warehouse under the chapel, all of these being part of The Centre of Fine Arts. The ruins also include several stairs and passages leading to nowhere, that were once a part of the palace. The 8 centuries-old underground city has several writings on the walls that you’ll observe as you walk through the cellars and vaults.